Geese are migratory birds. This means that during winters they fly really long distances. They fly to warmer countries in different continents. But flying takes a lot of energy. They have to keep flapping their wings for generating lift. All this flapping creates an updraft in the air currents around the bird's wingtips. The “V” formation allows another bird to fly in the area of the air current of the first bird, thus ensuring that the second bird spends less energy. Simply by locating itself slightly behind and above the first bird, flying long distances is made easier for it.
The concept is similar to cyclists riding behind one another in a bike race to save energy. For geese, spending less energy means flying longer distances. In fact, studies have found that they can increase their range by 70% on long migratory flights. When the lead bird gets tired, it drops back in formation. And another bird moves to the front.
Flying in the V formation also lets the birds keep in visual contact with one another so they're oriented in the right direction. That way, they don't crash into each other or get lost along the way.
The concept is similar to cyclists riding behind one another in a bike race to save energy. For geese, spending less energy means flying longer distances. In fact, studies have found that they can increase their range by 70% on long migratory flights. When the lead bird gets tired, it drops back in formation. And another bird moves to the front.
Flying in the V formation also lets the birds keep in visual contact with one another so they're oriented in the right direction. That way, they don't crash into each other or get lost along the way.
Image Credit: tweentribune.com
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